The carnival glass is perhaps one of the most distinctive glassware types from the early 1900s. It’s colorful, rainbow-like, iridescent finish and intricate pressed patterns simply outshine today’s molded and plain glassware.
But not all carnival glass is equally valuable. Patterns or colors that were harder to make can be super rare, like blue! In this guide, I’ll share collectible blue carnival glass bowls and dishes worth real money. You need to know which patterns and dishes to look for!
Why Is Blue Carnival Glass So Special?
Carnival glass first showed up in 1907 from the Fenton Art Glass Company. Back then, they called it ‘Iridill’ and sold it as the ‘poor man’s Tiffany.’ This unique glass got its rainbow shine from sprayed metallic salts onto hot-pressed glass, giving it that famous iridescent look.
While a lot of Carnival Glass was made during its time, 1908 to the late 1950s, many colors and shapes from that period are actually pretty rare. For instance, blue!
Blue Carnival Glass was made by adding cobalt oxide colorant to the molten glass. Different makers made this variant in several shades, too. Of these, Cobalt Blue is probably the most common, while Electric Blue (super bright and bold), Ice Blue, or Celeste (pale and almost see-through) are rare.
Thanks to its popularity, makers released many of their popular carnival glass patterns in blue shades. Let’s take a look at some of the most collectible pieces of blue carnival glass.
1. Peacock at the Fence Ice Blue Carnival Glass Bowl by Northwood
Northwood’s Peacocks on the Fence pattern in ice blue opal is incredibly rare and highly sought after. This opalescent glass base creates a milky, luminous effect that’s different from typical carnival glass.
Ice blue opal carnival glass pieces are much scarcer than standard blue pieces, especially in stunning patterns like this, which explains the $500 price tag.
| Average Price Range | $250 – $700+ (Higher end for exceptional iridescence) |
| Item Type | Bowl (PCE – Pie Crust Edge) |
| Brand | Northwood |
| Pattern | Peacock at the Fence |
| Color | Ice Blue |
| Manufacturing Era | 1911-1913 |
2. Moon and Star Cobalt Blue Pitcher Set by LE Smith
LE Smith released its popular Moon and Star pattern in the Cobalt Blue shade from the late 1900s to the mid-1920s. The elegant paneled design with stars looks extra beautiful with the blue iridescence. Fully matching sets are rarely found intact after decades, which is why complete sets are so valuable among collectors.
| Average Price Range | $100 to $400+ (for Whole Sets) |
| Item Type | Beverage Set (Pitcher & Tumblers) |
| Brand | LE Smith |
| Pattern | Moon and Star |
| Color | Cobalt Blue |
| Manufacturing Era | Mid-20th Century (Post-1940s) |
3. Hobnail Twilight Blue Carnival Glass Pitcher Set by Fenton
Fenton’s signature hobnail pattern, with raised bumps covering the surface, looks especially striking in the Twilight Blue iridescent finish. This complete beverage set of an 8-inch pitcher with matching glasses makes a great addition, and hence, is worth almost $300!
When collecting hobnail pieces, ensure each bump is smooth and well-formed, not rough or inconsistent.
| Average Price Range | $100 to $400+ (for Complete Sets) |
| Item Type | Beverage Set (Pitcher & Tumblers) |
| Brand | Fenton |
| Pattern | Hobnail |
| Color | Twilight Blue |
| Manufacturing Era | 1939 to the 1950s |
4. Grapes Cobalt Blue Punch Bowl Set by Fenton
Fenton’s “Grapes” is another pattern that is highly collectible, especially in the Cobalt blue tone. Large and complete sets, like this complete 10-piece punch bowl set, in this color, can easily fetch a few hundred dollars.
| Average Price Range | $100 to $400+ (For Sets) |
| Item Type | Punch Bowl Set (Bowl, Base, Cups) |
| Brand | Fenton |
| Pattern | Grapes Style |
| Color | Cobalt Blue |
| Manufacturing Era | 1910-1920 |
5. Grape and Cable Electric Blue Carnival Glass Bowl by Northwood
Grape and Cable is Northwood’s most famous pattern, and when this pattern is found in the rare electric blue color, it becomes a collector’s dream. Those detailed grape clusters and cable borders look stunning in rainbow colors.
Northwood made blue Grape and Cable in all sorts of shapes, including bowls, plates, compotes, punch sets, and more.
| Average Price Range | $100 to $400+ (For Single Pieces) |
| Item Type | Bowl |
| Brand | Northwood |
| Pattern | Grape and Cable |
| Color | Electric Blue |
| Manufacturing Era | 1910-1918 |
6. Peacock at the Fountain Electric Blue Pitcher by Northwood
Peacock at the Fountain is one of Northwood’s most beloved patterns, showing a majestic peacock near a decorative fountain with beaded details around the rim. The company made this pattern in several colors, but electric blue pieces are rare.
Single pitchers without matching tumblers still hold value, but collectors often pay more for complete water sets or punch bowl sets to display together.
| Average Price Range | $150 – $250+ (More for a Full Set) |
| Item Type | Water Pitcher |
| Brand | Northwood |
| Pattern | Peacock at the Fountain |
| Color | Electric Blue |
| Manufacturing Era | 1910s-1915 |
7. Dragon and Lotus Blue Glass Bowl by Fenton
This antique Fenton blue carnival glass bowl from the 1910s-1920s features the dramatic Dragon and Lotus pattern, a unique design with mythical creatures swirling around lotus flowers.
Ruffled-edge bowls, like this example, with detailed mold work, can be highly valuable. This single bowl sold for $125, but full sets can easily go over $250. Also, blue Dragon and Lotus punch or water sets are quite valuable.
| Average Price Range | $80 – $250+ (For Single Items) |
| Item Type | Bowl (Ruffled) |
| Brand | Fenton |
| Pattern | Dragon and Lotus |
| Color | Cobalt Blue |
| Manufacturing Era | 1915-1920 |
8. Poppy Show Electric Blue Carnival Glass Plate by Northwood
Northwood’s Poppy Show pattern in electric blue is highly sought after by collectors. You can spot it by its intricate poppy flowers and the spectacular blue color.
Due to its high rarity, even single blue Poppy Show items, like this 9.5-inch plate, can fetch a decent value! Always check for the Northwood trademark on the base for authenticity.
| Average Price Range | $150 – $400+ (More for Sets) |
| Item Type | Plate |
| Brand | Northwood |
| Pattern | Poppy Show |
| Color | Electric Blue |
| Manufacturing Era | 1913 to the 1920s |
9. Moon and Star Cobalt Blue Deviled Egg Plate
This super rare cobalt blue carnival glass egg plate features the classic Moon and Star pattern. It shows those distinctive oval indentations for deviled eggs. This sold for over $300; its high value comes from the combination of the rare blue carnival glass color and the specialized serving piece design.
| Average Price Range | $50 to $350+ (for Single Items) |
| Item Type | Deviled Egg Plate |
| Brand | Indiana Glass / L.E. Smith |
| Pattern | Moon and Star |
| Color | Cobalt Blue |
| Manufacturing Era | Mid to Late 20th Century |
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